Welcome to Send Love to Cohen! Here you can help us mend Cohen’s little heart.


In Oct. 2009, I received a joyful phone call from one of my best friends, Megan… She was pregnant! This baby was conceived out of pure love after a long battle with PCOS. We were all over the moon happy for Megan & Brent. At 10 weeks, Baby “M” became Baby Cohen, a bouncing, happy baby BOY! Everything was wonderful and perfect, until it wasn’t… At 22 weeks, Megan & Brent were devastated to find out that their little Cohen has CHD, Congenital Heart Defect. He has four defects to be exact; four defects that individually are manageable, but that together are very rare and very dangerous. Thus, our friends began on the long journey to fix Cohen’s broken heart. It is a journey that will take them away from their friends and family to have Baby Cohen at the best children’s hospital in the country. It will be a journey of several open heart surgeries and great expense.

If you have landed on this blog it is because you've heard about baby Cohen and the fight his family is facing to hopefully mend his little heart. The family is being surrounded with love, support and prayers, and they are all eternally grateful. There is so much you can do to help through prayer, support and donations. Many of you have contacted Megan about making donations to help. Her friends and family have created some ways for you to help, they are listed below.


Read more about Cohen's story HERE.


Visitors that have made their way here from the invitation to Penny's Baptism please click HERE. Thank you so much!

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

COHEN


 Linky will open at midnight.



A Blogging Day of Silence for Cohen

One of Megan's blog friends, Adie from Almost Perfect, contacted me with the wonderful idea of asking for a day of silence from all of the people who have been following Cohen's Story. I was touched! She teamed up with Blue Eyed Bride and there you have it... Thank you ladies for this opportunity! I hope EVERYONE participates!
____________________________

What: Moment of Silence for Cohen

When: Thursday July 1st from midnight to 11:59 pm.

How: Bloggers participating will post the Cohen banner (below) or simply post Cohen’s name in large letters on their blog.

Why: July 1st Megan and Brent will be holding Cohen’s memorial service. The moment of silence is an opportunity for Megan’s blog community to stand behind her and support her on this difficult day. Linking up will give Megan a chance to see the support at a glance.

BANNER:


Photobucket




I will  be putting up a post Thursday, July 1st at midnight with the Linky. Thank you in advance for showing M&B your support!

____________________________

For those who want to participate on Facebook see HERE.

For those who want to participate on Twitter, Please "tweet" #COHEN at 2pm, central time, July 1st.

XO - Jessica

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Remembrance.


Michael Cohen Marshall

Born in Dallas, TX on June 7, 2010, the first child of Megan and Brent Marshall, Michael Cohen Marshall came into the world at 7 lbs. 6 oz., with a hearty cry and a congenital heart condition. He was known as The Mighty Cohen in his short little life, for he endured multiple surgeries and procedures. For twelve days Cohen fought with the heart of a lion, but on June 18, 2010, his little body could not match his fighting spirit. He was delivered into the Kingdom of Heaven at 8:35pm in his parents’ arms. He was loved and adored by his parents, their families and friends every day of his life. Cohen touched thousands of lives with his story. The world came to know him through Megan’s blog and many felt they knew him long before he was even born. Sometimes the smallest feet leave the biggest footprints in this world and Cohen has left a lasting impression on us all; he was truly an amazing little boy. His parents want to thank all of his supporters, doctors, nurses and prayer warriors for their care, concern, support and prayers. Cohen is survived by his parents: Megan & Brent Marshall; Grandparents; Aunts; Uncles; and countless cousins, family and friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Cohen Marshall Memorial Trust.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Cohen's Memorial

 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
 
Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
 
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
 
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:3-6

Services for Cohen will be held on Thursday, July 1st. Please keep Megan & Brent in your prayers this week. Special prayer request for strength on Thursday.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Thank you!

Hi! I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for all the prayers said for sweet angel Cohen and all the support you have shown Megan & Brent. It means a lot to me that they have so much love surrounding them. I KNOW the appreciate it as well :)

Just wanted to send out a reminder about the Stella & Dot Fundraiser to benefit Cohen's Memorial Trust. You can read more about that HERE.

Also, don't forget that if you are moved to do so, you can donate directly to Cohen's Memorial Trust HERE.

THANK YOU ALL! It is because of all the love, support, and kind words that makes me sure that M&B will get through this unbelievably tough time.

XXOO - Jessica

Monday, June 21, 2010

Stella & Dot Send LOVE

Cohen touched so many lives in such a short time. One of his MANY friends contacted me today wanting to help. I was touched by her kindness and generosity. This is a wonderful opportunity to help out Megan & Brent, I hope that you will all take a moment to have a look and participate, if you feel so inclined!

I was contacted by Tahnie, a stylist for Stella & Dot. She has experienced the hardship of mounting hospital bills and felt compelled to offer up some assistance. She is offering 30% of sales from her Stella & Dot website from NOW until July 6th. The money raised will be donated to the Baby Cohen Marshall Special Needs Trust. You can learn more about Cohen's Trust HERE.

Below is a note from Tahnie. There are instructions on how to participate in the fundraiser.

Thank you all for your continuing prayers and support for M&B. They are very grateful to have so much love surrounding them!

Jessica
______________________

Like many of you out there, I am captivated by Cohen's story. I personally went through a high risk pregnancy last year and I wanted to do something for the Marshall family. I will be donating 30% of my profits directly to the Marshall family through a fundraiser on my Stella & Dot website from today, June 21st, to July 6th.

To order, simply go to my website http://stelladot.com/tahnie and in the upper right hand corner of your screen it will say, "Can't make it to the trunk show? Find your hostess" Click on the 'find your hostess' link, a window will pop up and you will need to put in Cohen Marshall. Cohen as the first name, Marshall as the last. Next click the 'search' button. Click on Cohen's name under select your host, it will say the party date and time is June 21st at 2:00 and give Tulsa, OK as the party location even though this fundraiser is online. After you click Cohen's name it will say, "Thank you for your interest in my Party, feel free to shop around and place an order!" Click continue and shop away!

If you have any questions, please contact me through twitter @sweetblueair.

Thank you so much!
Tahnie

Friday, June 18, 2010

A human life is a story told by God.  ~ Hans Christian Andersen

We only ask for your thoughts and prayers for Megan and Brent tonight. Nothing more. May they find peace and comfort knowing that so many wonderful people are thinking of them. 

I do not think it is my place to make any announcements or give any details. Megan's brother has posted a couple of times on Facebook. The family is together and surrounding M & B in love. 

Thank you all for following Cohen's Story. The love, prayers, and support have been so appreciated. 

PRAYERS

Please pray for comfort and peace for Megan, Brent and the whole family.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Momma Megan Post

Megs post on her blog today. Click HERE!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Urgent Prayers

Join in a Prayer Vigil for Baby Cohen, right now. Pray for his Kidneys to start working and the fluid to leave his body. Surround him in prayer, PLEASE!

Momma Megan Post

New post from Megs. Click HERE to see it!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Cohen Update

Still holding stable. Really needing his little kidneys to start working! Cohen will have to go on Dialysis if they don't start working soon. He is still very swollen and needs to flush out all that fluid. Which will happen with kidney function! So, please pray for those little kidneys to kick in SOON! Thank you all, again!

Cohen Update

His vitals are still holding stable. His lactic acid count to 4.6. The DRs at Children's Medical Center are trying to wean him off some of his meds so to determine how much damage has been done to his kidneys and liver. Please pray that his kidneys start working soon!

Cohen Update

Cohen is holding strong. Still stable. His lactic acid levels are about a 5 which is better. He still needs to produce more urine. Please specifically pray for this! Thank you :-)

Monday, June 14, 2010

Cohen Update

He is still holding stable. Longest time without an incident. He is amazing everyone one at Children's Medical Center with his strength. Please pray that his blood pressure increases a bit, his lactic acid continues to decrease, his BUN/Creatine decreases, and he starts to output more urine.

Cohen Update

No dialysis yet! Cohen needs to keep his BP up and acid levels down. He also need more urine output today. But he is having a good morning... Probably due to all the 80s music Daddy-O Brent is playing for him :-) He loves it! Prayers are being answered every minute! Megan & Brent sure do appreciate them all!

Cohen Update

Cohen's lactic acid levels have gone down 4 points since 9:30 last night. He is fighting hard!

Cohen turns ONE week old!!!

Momma Megan posted on her blog this morning! Check it out HERE.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Cohen Update

The heart cath showed that his heart and it's repairs are working well but they don't know where the excess blood is coming from. He is also having acidosis (high levels of lactic acid) built up and they can't figure out why. The next 24 hours are critical.

Cohen Update

Heart Cath didn't reveal anything. Next 24 hours are very critical for him. Please continue to pray for them all.

Cohen Update

Cohen is still in surgery. Continued prayers appreciated.

Cohen Update

Cohen had an esophageal study this morning and is now back in surgery for another heart cath. Please pray for the little man & his Doctors.

New Momma Megan Post

You can read it HERE.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

LOVE

What is stronger than a mother's love? 

 

Nothing.

Cohen Update

Prayers are working! Cohen is starting to pass urine, meaning his kidneys are beginning to function! He is stable!

Cohen Update

He is out but still critical. He did well. Had a few bouts of fast heart beats. We should know pretty soon if this will help the kidneys. We REALLY need it to.

Cohen Update

In surgery again because he is not passing urine. Cohen is not stable. BIG prayers needed.

Cohen Update

Cohen had a rough night. He is having Renal/Kidney issues. He is not having enough urine output so they are really watching that today. BP is now stable but still worrisome... Thank you for your prayers.

Looking for a house?

Hi everyone! As you may know, Megan & Brent are trying to sell their house. The selling of this house is an essential piece of the puzzle; they don't need any extra expenses right now! Its a great house in the Union School District. Please share with anyone who maybe looking to buy!

Chick HERE to see the listing.

Cohen Update

Procedure went well. Pressure is up a bit and they are adjusting his meds to try to get his vital signs in a better range and increase his kidney function. Please keep him in your prayers. He is still in NICU critical.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Cohen Update

Cohen is having to have an operation for the surgeon to remove some of the fluid around his heart where his chest is open. Pray for him.

Cohen update:

The little guy did well thru the night. Has a little swelling they are watching today. Going to try to wean him back on his meds today a bit and may be able to close his little chest tomorrow. Thanks to all for concern, support and those powerful prayers!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Momma Megan Post

Megan posted a new blog with pictures & Cohen update! Click HERE.

Cohen update

Still stable. Good vitals. Still being monitored by total team at Children's Medical Center. The Mama is finally taking a little nap.

Cohen Update

Early morning atrial tachycardia (very high heart rate) incident. He has been stablized with meds but is being monitored by about 8 doctors and techs constantly. Is at high risk of another cardiac incident. Please pray that his heart rate stablizes and stays regular with medication and that he doesn't have to be put on the bypass ECMO.

Thank you, Lisa (Nanna), for sending these updates! Everyone appreciates them!

Cohen Update

PRAYERS NEEDED!!! Update from Nanna: Cohen developed erratic heartbeat this morning. Stable but critical. Doctors are with him now. Please pray for him!

MCM - these are incredible

(all photos by Cohen's Nanna, Lisa, of LSDphotography)

Cohen Update

Cohen just came out of the surgical unit with all his doctors and stopped by for a quick look. They are getting him all hooked up and we can see him in about an hour! They said he was a tough little guy and did great through it all! Praise God! His little chest is open with clear tape over it but you can see his little heart beating away in there. It's an awesome sight. :D Next few days are crucial. Stay prayerful!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Cohen Update

From Daddy - O: Operation went well! Just met with Doctor and he feels good. Cohen will be available for us to see in an hour or so.

Cohen Update

Cohen is off bypass, everything seems to be working right and now the doctors are going to just keep him in there and watch how it all works for 2 hours.

Cohen update

Artery repair complete and looks good, tolerating bypass well, moving on 2 BT shunt portion of surgery. Keep praying!

Cohen Update

From Daddy-O Brent: On bypass and everything is still okay next update around 6:30

Cohen Update

Cohen was just taken back for surgery at Children's Medical Center - Thank you for all your prayers, keep it up!

Momma Megan Post

Megan updated her blog early this morning. Check it out HERE

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Cohen Update

Cohen update from Momma Megan : Cohen is having his first open heart surgery tomorrow around 1pm. They told us it could take about 6 hours or so. //please pray!

Prayer Request

Special prayers for Cohen and his family tonight. BIG day tomorrow!! GO COHEN!!!!!

Beautiful Cohen

It is my great pleasure to share this with you all! Grab your tissues... It is seriously amazing/beautiful/wonderful! I love this little man already, as I'm sure so many of you do!

Enjoy a slideshow of Cohen by clicking HERE

Cohen Update

An update from Momma Megan HERE

Monday, June 7, 2010

Cohen Update

Update from Momma Megan : The heart cath went good! GOD is answering prayers! The veins & arteries look nice and strong which will really help some other defects!

Cohen Update

Update from Nanna : Pulmonary arteries look good with heart cath! Surgeons will have options for repair. Still very serious. Continue prayer!

Cohen Update

The Drs at Children's Medical Center are investigating Cohen's pulmonary aartresia. His veins are good but his artery is blocked. Please pray.

 (via Megan's twitter)

Cohen Update

Update from Nanna: Our Baby Cohen is having a heart cath now at Children's Medical Center in Dallas. Please pray for this little guy and his parents. They will determine if they need to go ahead with his heart surgery tonight or if they can wait til tomorrow. Drs and the staff here have been wonderful.... Pray for their guidance and wisdom in treating our sweet baby! Thanks!

MCM

Photos by Cohen's Nanna (Lisa of LSDphotography)

Prayers

Please continue to pray for Cohen and his heart!

Cohen Update

Cohen is off to Children's Medical Center! Quick stop to say hi to mommy then on his way! What a STRONG little man!

Nothing like a momma's love...

Cohen Update

Cohen has been undergoing tests and the pulmonary veins that they were worried about are NOT obstructed. GREAT NEWS!! He is now on a CPAP machine to help him breath easier. Headed to Children's Medical Center in about an hour.

Cohen Update

Cohen is doing well! Breathing on his own and vitals are looking good. They are running some tests and then he is headed on over to Children's Medical Center - no emergancy surgeries need today! First heart surgery will be later this week. Mommy is doing well and resting, daddy is taking pictures and is so proud :-)

Meet Cohen! ...Finally

I'm so sorry that this is HOURS late! Thanks blogger for FINALLY letting me post!

INTRODUCING... 

COHEN!
06•07•2010
8:55 am
7lbs 6oz
Brave & Strong!

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Countdown to Cohen!

1 DAY!!!!!

Tomorrow morning Megan will be delivering sweet baby Cohen at 7:30am via C-Section. I am asking each and everyone of you to please say and extra prayer (or two) for Cohen, Megan, Brent, and all the Doctors & nurses that will be caring for his tiny little heart.
 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace 
as you trust in him, so that you may overflow 
with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Roman 15:13

 If you would leave a comment telling Megan that you are praying for her and from where... I think it would be extremely powerful to see that so many people from all over the country (world?) are praying for her sweet baby! Thank you all!

Megan - Kyle, Lucy, Penny, and I are praying for you, Brent and Cohen, everyday, from Tulsa! We can't wait for you to bring sweet Cohen home so we can love on him EVERYDAY! Penny can't wait to meet her future husband... She told me ;-)

Thursday, June 3, 2010

COHEN!

COHEN WILL BE HERE IN 4 DAYS!!!

WHO IS EXCITED? 

Well, Megan & Brent, clearly :-)

We are too! Its all Lucy & Penny can talk about... Well, not really because they don't really talk yet. But Kyle & I are certainly telling them all about their new best friend that is coming in a few days! We can't wait!!! 

Will all of you leave a comment here letting Megan & Brent know how excited you are for Cohen's arrival?